The Overland Historical Society Gets Dirty

Volunteers getting dirty at the Log Cabin

On Saturday May 12th 2007, The Overland Historical Society held a planting event at the log cabin on Lackland Rd. They secured a $400.00 grant this year from a group called the Wild Ones which is associated with the Shaw Nature Reserve and Missouri Botanical Garden. The purpose of the grant is to promote Missouri native flora. Volunteers and Historical Society members planted approximately 35 new plants along the front of the log cabin. They will also be adding an information box and fliers to help visitors identify and learn more about the new Missouri native greenery.

Some of the hard working volunteers involved

Shirley Needy, president of the Overland Historical Society, opened the log cabin and gave some volunteers a tour of this fantastic site. Pat Westhoff, the organization's Vice President, opened up the museum both for the volunteers as well as a local student who was researching a paper. Councilpersons Eedie Cuminale and Mary Beth Conlon were in attendance along with 15 or so other volunteer planters of all ages. The planting was made much easier as the ground had been prepared earlier thanks to a generous donation of time and materials from Perales Landscaping of Overland.

Our newest generation makes history brighter in Overland

This was a fun event for all involved. There were too many generations working together to count, all making the Log Cabin facility a little greener and adding a new educational resource to our community. The children were rewarded for their hard work with a Missouri native plant of their own and the garden trowels they used. This event was a lot of fun and everyone had a good time. Next time you're walking by the Overland Historical Society at Gass Ave and Lackland Rd (map), take a moment to stop and admire the new greenery.

The Overland Historical Society will be holding a BBQ at the site on June 22nd starting a 5PM and would like to invite residents to come enjoy the site and some great food with them. The BBQ will cost $6.50 a person and you'll have the choice of Chicken or Pork Steak, with 2 sides (German Potato Salad and Baked Beans), a brownie and Tea. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the Overland Historical Society's many local efforts. The Cabin and the Museum is expected to be open during the BBQ so if you have yet to see this wonderful facility, the BBQ will be a great time to do so. For more information about the Overland Historical Society contact them at (314) 426-7027.

To learn more about plant life native to Missouri and how best to incorporate it in your own landscaping, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's great Grow Native website.